Stracciatella.

The best gelato flavor. I ate it every day and savored every bite. Italy consisted mainly of three events: walking, eating, and genital viewing (forgive me). But, it's true. We literally walked everywhere we went. Who needs a bus or a metro or a taxi when you have two feet? Not me. I needed to walk to counteract the excessive amounts of gelato I consumed. I couldn't help myself. Gelato is the one thing cheaper in Italy than home. The one and only thing. I figured I might as well take advantage. Right? Everyone's doing it. Italians consume gelato like it's water...or in their case, wine. I kid you not, you only need three things to make an Italian village: a duomo (church), market, and gelateria. Oh and maybe Gucci, Prada, and Fendi. But, they're just extras. I am not sure where to start with my three week adventure...I don't want to bore you. So, I will pick the highlights. Warning, this post may be unnecessarily long...and for that I apologize.

Actually, I think I will just take you on a picture tour. I figure that will be more entertaining. Let's start in Vicenza, the wealthiest city in Italy and home to my aunt Becky. This picture is of the Teatro Olimpico, famous for its extraordinary stage and architecture. I believe it is the oldest theater of its kind in Italy. I could be mistaken though. Obviously, I saw more in Vicenza. But this should suffice.

Next, Verona. Ah Verona. The city of love, home to Juliet, and protector of the Italian opera. I did visit the alleged home of the Montagues, or was it the Capulets. Either way...I was there :) Much to my mother's disappointment, I failed to write my name on the infamous wall. Shoot. No summer lovin' for me. In my defense, we didn't have a marker. And I wasn't about to waste 5 euro on a Sharpie...not with the current exchange rate. Above: me and Giulietta. The Italians are too cool to include J in their alphabet.

Venice. Densely populated with wandering tourists. After all, it is the most frequently visited city in Europe. And that's saying something. I was lost in Venice...both literally and figuratively. Maps are worthless in Venice and so are the signs. But, the city is magical. Gondolas instead of cars, water instead of roads, and the largest market in Europe...what more could a girl ask for? Oh, and don't forget the bridges or the singing Italian men.

The "ghetto of American tourists," also known as Cinque Terre. I completely understand why Americans flock to the Italian Riviera...it's magnificent. We stayed in Moneglia (not to be confused with Mongolia). Don't worry, our hotel was at the top of a oneway, curvaceous if you will, road. I thought we might never make it back down. But our dear friend and hotel owner Rita, graciously drove us back down for dinner. And I lived to tell about it :) We spent a day on the beach and then hiked from city to city. It's a hike...straight up. They don't believe in switch backs. Just old goat paths and stoney steps. I highly recommend joining the ghetto of American tourists and exploring Cinque Terre. In fact, I will even post TWO pictures to convince you.

So, this covers the first week...I will post the rest later. I am not very witty anymore (not that I ever was). Maybe tomorrow holds more promise.

Up Next: ROMA!!!

Ciao bellas :)

P.S. The rest of you should get your blogger on!